1st let me say "Thank you fro your service" and welcome back to the heartland. Now, let me share a true story with you.
I own a few different weapons and used to keep a S&W 66 2 3/4" barrel on the nightstand next to the bed loaded with Glazers. One night while my wife and I were sleeping, our dogs starting growling. As I somewhat woke up, the form of a man appeared in our bedroom doorway. With one hand, I pulled my wife under me and grabbed the .357 with the other. Then I heard the words I'll never forget............."Don't shoot Dad, it's me!!" Our son had come home late and was just trying to let us know it.
Since that day, the .357 stays on the hip or under the shoulder and a Mossberg 12 ga with a 18 1/" barrel stands at attention next to the bed. #4 shot for the 1st 3 rounds and 00 buck for the last 2. The 2nd to last thing I ever want to do is use it for HD (the 1st is NOT use it for HD), but if needed, it's there. Besides, there is nothing like the sound of a 12 ga being racked in someone's house at 2:00 in the morning. 100% of the bad guys know that sound. 99% will head for the hills in a heartbeat when they hear it. The 1% that are stupid enough to keep coming.......well, let's just say that a heartbeat won't be an issue for them any longer.
Go with the shotty. You won't be sorry. And teach your wife how to use it as well. You won't always be home.
I own a few different weapons and used to keep a S&W 66 2 3/4" barrel on the nightstand next to the bed loaded with Glazers. One night while my wife and I were sleeping, our dogs starting growling. As I somewhat woke up, the form of a man appeared in our bedroom doorway. With one hand, I pulled my wife under me and grabbed the .357 with the other. Then I heard the words I'll never forget............."Don't shoot Dad, it's me!!" Our son had come home late and was just trying to let us know it.
Since that day, the .357 stays on the hip or under the shoulder and a Mossberg 12 ga with a 18 1/" barrel stands at attention next to the bed. #4 shot for the 1st 3 rounds and 00 buck for the last 2. The 2nd to last thing I ever want to do is use it for HD (the 1st is NOT use it for HD), but if needed, it's there. Besides, there is nothing like the sound of a 12 ga being racked in someone's house at 2:00 in the morning. 100% of the bad guys know that sound. 99% will head for the hills in a heartbeat when they hear it. The 1% that are stupid enough to keep coming.......well, let's just say that a heartbeat won't be an issue for them any longer.
Go with the shotty. You won't be sorry. And teach your wife how to use it as well. You won't always be home.